The Nurse-Melanographer model for optimising primary skin cancer care

Managing skin cancer demand in primary care is a challenge, especially with doctor shortages in regional areas. In this episode of the HealthCert Insights podcast, Matt Woollard (COO, National Skin Cancer Centres) dives into the Nurse–Melanographer model: a proven approach that expands clinic capacity, improves patient access to skin cancer services, and creates rewarding career pathways for nurses and dermal clinicians.

Melanographers are nurses or dermal clinicians trained in dermoscopy and skin cancer detection. They perform skin checks, document lesions, and collaborate closely with doctors, allowing clinics to see more patients efficiently without compromising quality.

Matt (who has built and managed more than 40 skin cancer clinics in Australia over the past 25 years) explains several ways this model works in practice: from Melanographers performing skin checks with doctors onsite, to “tag-team” setups where a Melanographer and GP share appointments.

The model not only reduces wait times and eases doctor workloads but also strengthens the clinic’s economics; patients pay fair out-of-pocket costs while doctors can focus on surgical work and complex cases.

For nurses, becoming a Melanographer is a career-defining step: advanced responsibilities, direct impact on patient outcomes, and opportunities for progression within the clinic. For clinic owners, it’s a practical solution to expand capacity and improve workflow.

If you are a nurse interested in specialising in skin cancer, or a clinic owner exploring ways to manage demand, this episode will provide practical insights you can implement immediately.

Listen to the podcast

Next steps in your learning journey

🎓 Micro-Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore short, bite-sized CPD modules in focused topics in skin cancer. Complete in less than 10 hours from only $95.
➡️ Micro-Courses for GPs >     ➡️ Micro-Courses for nurses >

🎓 Certificate Courses in Skin Cancer
Explore our university-assured, structured pathways to elevate your knowledge in the primary care management of skin cancer.
➡️ Skin Cancer pathway for GPs >    ➡️ Melanography pathway for nurses >

Or explore more educational content in Skin Cancer Medicine.

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Doctors can self-record CPD for this podcast. If you consume educational content on this blog, you can Quick Log CPD hours with the RACGP/ACRRM via the usual self-submission process. You will be asked to reflect on what you have learned, and you will require supporting evidence such as a screenshot. For more information, view the: RACGP CPD guide | ACRRM CPD guide